Ronald McDonald House Recognizes Legislators
 

By Dan Miller

Ronald McDonald House of Long Island Chairman of the Board Stacie Rodriguez (fourth from l.) and Kathy Bihn, Resident Manager (far r.) welcomed  (l. to r.) Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Assemblymember Mark Weprin, state Senator Frank Padavan, New York City Councilmember David Weprin and Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer to the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island on Friday, October 3

On Friday, October 3 Ronald McDonald House of Long Island honored a host of elected officials, including many from Queens, who have helped the not for profit service organization provide needed service to families of children with serious medical needs at the organization’s  sixth annual Legislative Reception.

Stacie Rodriguez,  Ronald McDonald House of Long Island chairman of the board welcomed  the city and state elected officials. A not for profit 501(c)3 corporation,  Ronald McDonald House of Long Island relies on support from the community to serve as a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. All of the day-to-day costs for running the House are supported through private donations, legislative grants, corporate contributions and local fundraising events. While most of the families receiving services come from the Metropolitan New York area some come from across the country and around the world. Three of the 24 young residents currently using the House’s services were from Queens.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Ronald McDonald House of Long Island House Manager Kathy Bihn are joined by some veteran volunteers at  the House’s legislative luncheon October 3. Photos Dan Miller/DMD Images

Queens legislators who have supported Ronald McDonald House of Long Island programs who attended the event and who were recognized for their support included state Senator Frank Padavan, Assemblymembers Audrey Pheffer, Mark Weprin, Ann Margaret Carrozza and Michael Gianaris, and City Councilmembers David Weprin and Tony Avella. Not in attendance but recognized for supporting Ronald McDonald House of Long Island were state Senators, Serphin Maltese, George Onorato and Malcolm Smith, Assemblymembers  Barbara Clark, Rory Lancman,  Nettie Mayersohn, Catherine Nolan and Anthony Seminerio and City Councilmembers Joseph Addabbo, James Gennaro and Melinda Katz.

For more information about volunteering opportunities, contact  Ronald McDonald House of Long Island Executive Director  Joanne Reda  at 718-343-5683.